Here are the participants in the Create Year Long Challenge (CYLC2026).
Participants are in alphabetical order by last name. Participants with a last name starting with T-Z are on this page.
Participants with a last name starting with A-F can be found here.
Participants with a last name starting with G-P can be found here.
Completed projects can be found here.
From Paige Riley:
I have recently moved and have little access to my tools and supplies, so I am going to try small. I would like to create a room box or diorama of some sort that is haunted to gift to a friend. I have no idea what materials I will use yet, but I will explore some recycled materials.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Kelle Risoli:
I really, really need to clean out, throw out, donate out, or whatever it takes to get my Studio cleaned up. It's so bad that it's a struggle to just walk around. Things are strewn everywhere and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the "organization" HA!! Looks like there was a struggle in there.
There needs to be room for 2 Cricuts, an xTool laser, a desktop kiln, a scroll saw, a computer desk with a TV/Monitor and 2 printers. THEN these is all the supplies that go with these. I might need a backhoe and a dumpster!
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March Update:
I am working on getting my craft room organized and I started in this corner. Off to the left of the desk is my laser. This area is going to be used as a desk and laser cutting. I made the monitor riser with storage for a laptop and keyboard. Then I made the 4 drawers, 2 on each side, and they have walnut fronts for some contrast. They are also modular so they can be rearranged if needed. No finish has been applied until I decide what color scheme to use. I’m leaning toward retro, like 1950’s or 1960’s.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Tamara Robb:
My year-long project for 2026 will be: To complete the assembly of the kit from NAME Day 2025. This is the courtyard project, and I also bought several of the extras. If I get it fully assembled and am able to do the layout of the flowers and other items I have ready to "finish" the whole project, that would be my extra credit for myself. ;) My primary goal is to complete the kit and the add-ons. I haven't started at all, everything is still in the packaging. This longer challenge is going to be perfect to get me to tackle this in the way I envisioned!
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March Update:
I am just forwarding the current state of my year-long progress: NO PROGRESS, LOL. I am having surgery on Wed so I probably won't be starting this until late May! I hope others are having more luck with their progress. ;)
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Neal Rogness:
I’m going ambitious with six projects. Let’s see how well it goes by year’s end! Briefly, the projects are:
1. Custom base and landscaping for Robin Betterley’s Ravenswood 1/144” kit (to make it be the creepy house on the hill). This is a carryover project from my CYLP for 2025.
2. Debbie Young’s Toy Cottage 1/4” kit (Create Workshop)
3. Samantha Murray’s Art Nouveau Conservatory 1/4” kit
4. Bob Francis’ Witch’s Keep - A Haunted House 1/4” kit
5. Debbie Young’s 109 Bellevue Place - A 1/4” Chicago Home kit (Chicago Show workshop)
6. I have taken on a project to restore a 1” architecture model (exterior only) of a funeral home near where I grew up. The finished project will be displayed in a local historical museum. This will be a multiple-year project; my 2026 goals are to add lighting elements and to fully side and shingle the structure.
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March Update:
Attached are two pics showing progress on two of the projects I included for my CYLP ‘26. Specifically, Debbie Young’s “Toy Cottage” kit and Bob Francis’ “Witch’s Keep” kit.
Witch’s Keep: I have a little of the exterior to finish up along with the wiring (as evidenced by the blue tape in the pic). I also need to finish with the furniture and furnishings.
Toy Cottage: I have a little of the exterior to finish up and then stock the shelves with a variety of toys.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Jaime Short:
My 2026 project is a fireplace roombox that I am hoping to do in craftsman style and to have a haunted twist. I purchased the roombox from Bentley house miniatures in May 2024 and have been looking at the package ever since!
(Editorial: I think the cat is saying "About time you got to work on this!" 
)
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Melissa Simmons:
For 2026, I really want to complete the craft room I started in 2024, in memory of my mom. I thought I'd definitely get it finished for the 2025 CYLC, but I didn't. I've completed quite a bit, but there's still a lot to go. I want to install a lighted ceiling, finish the outer walls nicely, and there are numerous drawers, shelves, and cubbies to fill, as well as several additional pieces of furniture that need to be made.
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March Update:
I've gotten quite a lot of tiny things finished. I'm especially proud of that fireplace I made totally from scratch, by just looking at a picture of a real one. I've gotten a copper roof on the bay window and a paper "brick" facade on the outside of the building. There's still a lot of things to do, despite how full it already looks. I am bound and determined to get this memorial craft room finished this year!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Kirsten Smolensky:
This year I’d like to work with my 9 (she’s saying almost 10) yo daughter to finish her ice cream parlor. My assigned mission for NAME’s garage sale (per Kaitlyn) was to find something that could be used to make an ice cream shop. I found a basic structure that she liked. Since bringing it home in August we’ve only added a roof top deck for additional dining space. And she’s picked paint colors! Wish us luck! We have a lot to do.
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March Update:
This quarter we built out parts of the shop, started painting windows, and painted and applied the siding. Kaitlyn (my 9 yo) also picked out her interior finishes including some flooring and wallpaper. We also discussed some lighting options, and she decided that she wants a very “lush” outdoor garden dining space on the roof!! Wish us luck!!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Helen Sparks:
These challenges have really motivated me to finish my UFOs! If I finish the three on my list for this year, I will be ready to start something new. (Of course that assumes I won’t add any new UFOs before the end of the year, and what is the likelihood of that?) My plan is to furnish the Camp Make-a-Mini Projects from 2023 and 2024 plus also furnish the Chic Boutique Thursday Night Project from Cincinnati.
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March Update:
So far I have completed the Shepherd’s Hut and started on the Bungalow. I have had to squeeze in some other projects of course!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Rachelle Spiegel:
I have several very old large projects that are partially complete. For this year I will attempt to finish a Victorian kitchen that was taught at the Guild School in the early 1990’s by Nic Nichols. I have located most of the pieces and the drawings he gave us. I will probably have to add some pieces of wood. I found photos online of a more fully completed project from someone in the class which will help me put it together. Unfortunately he did not really give written instructions so I am just going to forge ahead and do my best.
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March Update:
This project is a real challenge. I had to figure out what items were missing and order them. I found a few additional unfinished kits that I had and began staining and assembling them while waiting for the orders to arrive I need to make space on the workbench for this large room box which should really be my real project because I have to move all of my deceased husband’s tools and other things to make room. Now I need to cut and stain all the mouldings that came in the order, repaint the dirty walls and finish the floor. Then I can glue in the doors and windows and finish the screened in porch. I was actually able to do some of the work during the Create Friday afternoon UFO which gave uninterrupted time to start this.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Gail Stuart:
First time I am doing this year Long Challenge! I am making a house from scratch. The white sheet of paper is my plans, pictured in photo #1.
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March Update:
This shows I put the electricity in the attic, with the door, per se, on the right side of the roof, in back.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Julie Stuckmeyer:
I plan to FINISH four half started projects for 2026.
1. The NAME Day Courtyard
2. Betterley's calendar project from 2025. (And no, I will NOT be purchasing the 2026 project no matter how cute it is!)
3. Sue Ann Ketchum's half scale bakery.
4. The Craftsman Bungalow from 2024 CMAM.
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March Update:
For the first quarter, I managed to finish the Courtyard.
I also did one of the Betterley books -- although I confess I'm doing them out of order as the Costume shop has me completely intimidated!
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Julia Tchikine:
For my challenge this year, I decided to set an easier goal for 2026 as I didn't accomplish my 2025 challenge. I will completely finish three roomboxes (an assortment pictured below). Here's hoping for a productive first quarter!
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Barbara Thornton-Hill:
For the Year Long Project, I will make and finish the Toy Cottage by Debbie Young and I’ll make the Wednesday night project, The Surfer’s Shack at the NAME convention this year. Neither is even started.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Terry “Third Time’s the Charm” Unnold:
So, yes, this is once again my CYLC for 2026 but it’s looking bigger and brighter, tee hee!
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March Update:
May not seem like a lot of work, but building a closet from scratch with sliding mirror doors was a major accomplishment! And it holds those shoes and bags I found in Philly.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Marcie Van Deren:
I have enjoyed the last two years and have jump started my mini projects each January. This year I dug out (really!) a 2012 Cynthia Howe Tea Room -- the one in the tub. And the Lisa’s Little Things Sewing shop. From about the same era. And the Candy shop - The Candy Bar - that I didn’t get too far on last year. Hoping for the best!
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Lucy Van Dyke:
Figuring out what I should do with this Skilcraft Colonial. I've stripped it down due to weathered, worn, and ruined paper, and now I have to decide if I redress her, bash her, keep her, or give her away!
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March Update:
Sadly I have made zero progress on my dollhouse, too many other crafts cropped up, plus other life responsibilities. I keep daydreaming about it but I haven't unburied myself yet! I did make a little tiny bit of progress on my 1:6 scale house for my daughter, so that is what I'm focusing on for now. Before and after pictures.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Katie Vitullo:
Ok, I finally got my act together ….. I’m submitting several projects, in the hopes I finish something!
Project 1: 1/4” camp make-a-mini 2025 A-Frame Cabin.
Project 2: 1/2” gazebo rescued from a garage sale.
Project 3: 1/2” 3 Gables MD State Day garage sale rescue.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Denise Voelker:
Betterley calendar project from many years ago.
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March Update:
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Sandra Whipple:
I will assemble, dress, wig, accessorize and pose at least 10 one inch scale dolls.
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March Update:
I have completed 6 out of my goal of 10 dolls this year.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Amy White:
My plan is to refurbish a room box and create my miniature sci-fi room to display my miniature Star Trek collection.
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March Update:
Not much progress to report. Designing the ceiling.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Cat Wingler:
I have two (or more, lol) 1” scale projects that I have been collecting for. One is a ladies' office vignette in a frame and the other is a ladies' dressing room, possibly in a clock case. Currently the pieces are in boxes waiting for someone to take pity on them and get them finished. If these get finished, I have a 1” kitchen to do.
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March Update:
Here are my progress pictures, I am almost finished with the easiest one. I’ve been collecting for the court ladies dressing room for at least 25 years. I still need to add the back wall.
I did design, cut the parts, and build the desk for the ladies office vignette. Still a loooong way to go on this one.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Tammy Witthaus:
I am working on 2 projects for this year's CYLC.
1 - I am going to attempt to finish my 1/4" scale Oberman’s Tree House class that I took at the Dallas show in 2021. This class was taught by Shaun and Amanda Crawford. I need to complete the inside and want to add a lot more to the outside landscaping.
2 - There are several people that are getting together once a week to work on 1/4" scale Creekside Studio kit by Jill Castoral. Won't be able to attend every week but figured this might be another opportunity to work on getting another project done (finger's crossed? lol!).
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March Update:
I have been able to put most of the structure together and put together room contents based on my stash. Nothing is really glued in yet since I've electrified and trying to plan as I go. Chandelier is also hanging temporarily as I haven't put on the roof yet.
I have not worked on Oberman's Tree House any more yet.
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
From Marty Young:
I had this 1 inch dollhouse on last year’s challenge and did not get very much done so I want to try again. Also want include completion on some other projects that I have started but have not completed. Charleston Single from Charleston Convention, Birdhouse Bluff from Cape Cod, hot Chocolate market stall from Christmas Market cruise 2025, and to complete Rose Cottage.
I would like to organize my craft room so I can have different workspaces so I can spend time working on completing these projects not getting distracted by having to get the project out but just moving tools to different projects.
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March Update:
I have been working on making 1/4” hydrangeas for Birdhouse Bluff. So hen I get to landscaping I just need to put the leaves on and “plant” them. Also getting work areas for different projects ready but not photo worthy yet🥺
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June Update:
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September Update:
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Final Update:
